This is Just a Game...Right?

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Day Out

I stretch, yawning, and let out a squeal as I look at my calendar and realize that it's a weekend. No school! I hum happily to myself as I head to the bathroom to take a shower, letting the warm water wash over me. After I get out and change, I head into the kitchen to start breakfast. After a while, I hear slow footsteps shuffling towards me. I turn around and smile at my brother, who still looks sleepy.

"Good morning, Kei." I greet him, and he gives me a tired smile.

"Ah...good morning Rica. Oh? Did you start breakfast already? I'm surprised. Usually, you'd be the last one up and that meant that Rei and I have to start breakfast." Keiji teases, and I pout.

"Well, I got a good night's sleep yesterday. I didn't stay up until five a.m. playing Mystic Messenger like usual, so I feel great!" I smile brightly, then continue on the pancakes I'm making, flipping them occasionally, until they're done. I pull out three plates and set the plates with pancakes on the table, then place the syrup in the middle. I glance towards my bedroom door in confusion, why hasn't Rei woken up yet? He's usually up before my brother and I, but now he's not even awake. I hurriedly take off my apron, biting my lip nervously. I open the door to my room to see Rei rubbing his eyes, staring at his phone. When he notices me, he gives me a sleepy smile.

"G'morning, Rica." He mumbles, and I nearly laugh out loud. So there was nothing to worry about. That's good.

"Good morning Rei. Breakfast is on the table, hurry up and get ready. By the way, were you up late, by any chance? I was wondering why you weren't awake when I was." I ask, and he nods slowly.

"I was...doing a mini-project for school." He replies hesitantly, and I narrow my eyes suspiciously.

"Okay..." I mutter, and he slowly gets out of bed and shuffles towards the bathroom to get ready for the day. I sit down at my desk, and decide to write a journal entry.

August 19, Saturday

Good morning! I had a great night of sleep because of Rei. I can't believe he learned how to sing the Mystic Messenger opening. I really can't live without a friend like him. I was the first one up today, and I started making breakfast, which surprised Kei. Yesterday, Remi passed away. Both me and Rei had moments where we couldn't handle the fact and broke into tears, but we both supported each other in those moments. We made an agreement to tell each other about things like these, and I'm happy. That's all.

-Lyrica Aoki, 20XX

I close the notebook with a satisfying thump, placing it gently in my desk drawer. Then I head downstairs, and see both my brother and Rei sitting at the table, eating. I roll my eyes and sigh.

"Well...I thought you guys would have waited for me...but I guess not." I mutter, and they both give me guilty looks.

"You were taking forever! So we both got hungry and started eating. Sorry, Rica." Rei says, and I just nod and sit down, starting on my stack of pancakes as well. They taste like...heaven. It's not as good as the ones Keiji makes or the ones that Rei makes, but this is the first time I've successfully made pancakes. Without burning them.

"Rica, Rei. I was thinking of doing something today. Anything special in mind?" Keiji asks, and I shrug.

"Hmm...I don't know. What's the occasion, Keiji?" Rei asks him, and Keiji shrugs.

"No special occasion, just thought of taking you guys out somewhere." He replies, and my face lights up.

"Amusement park!" I cheer, and Keiji nods slowly, turning to Rei.